Northern Black Polished Ware Sites | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Taxila

Taxila was the capital of the Gandhara kingdom around 600 B.C. 

• Excavations at the Bhir mound revealed its Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) characteristic. 
• It was a major trade center and part of the Uttarapatha.
• Taxila was also a crucial part of the Silk Road, which connected China to the West.
• The presence of Taxila University, the world’s oldest university, established the region as a prominent learning center. 
• Taxila was located at a critical junction of three major trade routes: North India, West Asia, and Central Asia.
• Historical figures like Fa-Hien and Hieun Tsang visited Taxila, highlighting its significance. 

Sravasti

• Pottery: Found NBPW pottery along with black slip ware, Plain Grey Ware, and PGW sherds. 
• Settlement: Initially, there were wattle and daub houses, but later, the use of burnt bricks became evident. The presence of burnt brick fortifications suggests defensive strategies. 
• Copper and Iron Objects: Discovered arrowheads and copper ornaments indicate advancements in metallurgy. 
• Notable Finds: Eye beads made of stratified glass and agate, a terracotta disc featuring the Swastika symbol, and a sun symbol. 
• Period: The settlement dates back to around 600 B.C. 

Kaushambi

• Settlement - Well planned city development with lanes and by lanes with brick flooring. In early phase, timber houses and later burnt bricks houses. Even the fortification wall with guard rooms, towers for defence purpose. 
• Artefacts - Iron agricultural equipments, weapons etc were predominant. Other artefacts included that of bone, stone, glass, gold beads, terracotta figurines of human and animal etc. 
• Time - 600 B.C. to 550 A.D. 
• Important halting place along the ancient trade route. 

Prahladpur

• Coins from different Mahajanpadas were discovered, along with copper punched mark coins from the Mauryan period. 
• Terracotta figurines depicting both humans and animals were found. 
• Terracotta discs featuring Swastika and floral designs were commonly found. 
• Artefacts included metal and bone objects. 

Pataliputra

Vaishali/Kundagrama

• Vaishali is located in the Vaishali district of Bihar. 
• In the sixth century BCE, it was the capital of the Lichchhavis and the Vajji confederacy. This ancient city is believed to correspond with modern Basarh in North Bihar. 
• Vaishali holds the distinction of being the world’s first Republic, flourishing around 500 BC to 150 BC. 
• It is the birthplace of Mahavira, who was born in Kundagram in 599 BCE. 
• The Second Buddhist Council was held in Vaishali, marking its significance in Buddhist history. 
• Vaishali is also known as the site of Buddha’s last sermon, further enhancing its religious importance. 
• The city was the capital of the Shishunaga dynasty, adding to its historical prominence. 
• Vaishali is famously associated with Amrapali, the renowned Indian courtesan. 
• The city is mentioned in the accounts of the Chinese travelers Fahien and Hieun-Tsang, highlighting its historical significance. 
• An Ashokan pillar, topped with a single lion, can be found in Vaishali, showcasing the region’s ancient heritage. 

Rajgir

• Surrounded by five hills. 
• Known as the first capital of the Magadha Mahajanapada under the Haryanka dynasty. 
• Site of the first Buddhist council held in the Saptaparni caves. 
• An important pilgrimage centre for Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus. 
• Located on the historic Uttarapatha network. 
• Famous for Amarvana, a dispensary run by Jivaka. 
• Pottery from the region includes NBPW with black and grey wares. 
• Burial practices involved half oval pits with elliptical bottoms and short funnels, dating from 500 B.C. to 100 A.D.

Prabhas-Patan

• Period: Around 400 B.C. to 100 A.D. 
• Evidence of stone fortification and inscribed skin rubber from the NBPW phase. 
• Findings include NBPW sherds, BRW ivory objects, terracotta gamesmen, and a gold bead associated with the NBPW phase. 

Amaravati/Dharanikota

• Guntur is located on the right bank of the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh. 

Archaeological Findings:

• Period IB: This period is associated with the Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) phase. 
• Pottery: There is evidence of Black Red Ware (BRW) and Red and Black Ware from this period. 
• Earring:. well-preserved earring made of a plain leaf was found, dating back to this period. 
• Glass Seal:. significant find was a rectangular piece of glass seal in violet color, featuring a lion emblem in relief. This seal is stratigraphically dated to the first century B.C. 

Chandraketugarh

• Archaeological findings include NBPW, ring wells, terracotta beads, and punched marked coins. 
• Some coins feature a motif of ships, indicating possible sea trade. 
• Other artifacts discovered include bone points, dice, terracotta bails, and a terracotta plaque depicting an elephant. 
• This period is believed to have started from the 4th century B.C.
• The site is also known for its terracotta object manufacturing. 

Tamralipti or Tamluk

• Near the mouth of the Ganges in the Midnapore district of West Bengal, there is a site known for its historical significance. 
• This site is recognized as the most important sea port and center of trade in Eastern India. 
• Archaeological discoveries at this location, such as terracotta figurines and plaques, coins, and beads made of semi-precious stones, suggest a vibrant trade history. 
• The presence of Roulette ware and red polished ware of Roman type indicates trade contacts with distant regions. 

Sisupalgarh

• Ancient Name: Bhubaneswar was known as Tosali in ancient times, as mentioned in Ashokan inscriptions. It was also called Kalinganagar, the capital of the Kharvela kingdom.
• Historical Significance: It is the earliest fortified center in Odisha, dating from the 3rd century BC to the 4th century CE.
• Pottery Types: Archaeological findings include Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW), Rouletted ware, and Black Red Ware (BRW).
• Notable Finds: An iron caltrop was discovered, which is an interesting and unique find.
• Other Artifacts: Excavations have uncovered terracotta and stone beads, a terracotta figurine, coins, important implements, and weapons.
• Later Use: In later periods, Bhubaneswar was a center for minting coins, as indicated by the discovery of two coin moulds.

Ropar

• NBPW period: 600 B.C. to 200 B.C.
• The site emerged as a town centre during this period.
• A total of 450 sherds of NBPW were found, indicating its presence during the ill period.
• NBPW was considered a luxury item, as suggested by the discovery of rivetted pots.
• Various coins were also found, including punch-marked coins and uninscribed cast copper coins.
• Remains of houses made of burnt bricks and stone were unearthed at the site.

Hastinapur

• This site, known for its Black and Red Ware (BRW), Painted Grey Ware (PGW), and Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW), is mentioned in the Mahabharata as the capital of the Kuru dynasty and in the Puranas.
• During this period, the city had a well-planned structure with an advanced drainage system.
• Archaeological discoveries from this time include punch-marked coins made of silver and copper, indicating a developed economy, as well as terracotta figurines of humans and animals, beads made of semi-precious stones and glass, and other artifacts.
• The time period for these findings is approximately 600 B.C. to 200 A.D.

Ahichchhatra

• The fourth phase is identified as NBPW.
• The NBPW phase began before 300 B.C.
• Various coins have been found, including those from the Kushana period.
• Caste coins were followed by Panchala coins from the first century B.C. and Kushan coins.

Atranjikhera

• BRW, PGW, and BPW Sites: These are archaeological sites associated with different periods in ancient Indian history.

• Period IV - NBPW (Northern Black Polished Ware): This period is characterized by the presence of carinated handis (cooked vessels with a curved rim) and pear-shaped vessels.

• Use of Burnt Bricks: Burnt bricks were used during this period, indicating advanced construction techniques.

• Excavated Artifacts: Various artifacts have been excavated, including:

  • A tiny bird figurine made of bone.
  • A copper miniature vase.
  • An iron hoe.
  • A piece of mosaic.
  • Terracotta blocks.

• Pottery Kilns and Blacksmith Furnaces: Several pottery kilns and blacksmith furnaces have been discovered at these sites, indicating specialized production activities.

Noh

• Mud Brick Structure: Three distinct phases of a mud brick structure have been observed during this period.